Smyrna Police Department (SPD) recently hosted a ceremony pinning three new officers.  The pinning ceremony is the culmination of an intense officer training period, including 12 weeks of in-residence training at The Tennessee Law Enforcement Academy and 16 weeks of internal training with SPD. Officer Dylan Coleman, Officer Collin Kowalski, and Officer Mackenzi White were pinned with SPD collar brass by Captain Jeff Dwyer and Chief Kevin Arnold.

 “These officers have completed an intense period of training and have demonstrated the skill, commitment, and dedication required to serve our citizens,” explained SPD Chief Kevin Arnold.  “We celebrate this rite of passage with the formal pinning of SPD collar brass.”

 In addition to the new officers, Deanna Patton was recognized as 2021 Dispatcher of the Year and Justin Hayden was recognized as 2021 Officer of the Year. 

 “Deanna is a twenty-five year veteran of our department and a dedicated professional who embodies the spirit of dispatchers, the unsung heroes of public safety,” noted Arnold.  “She works through adversity, remains calm in the midst of chaos, and supports her colleagues while serving us all.  We are fortunate to have Deanna on our team.”

 “Like Deanna, Justin is a dedicated professional committed to serving and protecting our community,” Arnold shared.  “He served our country in the United States Marine Corp before joining Smyrna Police Department eight years ago.  Justin serves as a Field Training Officer, Crime Scene Officer, and has earned six commendations for his work.”

 The three new officers, Dispatcher of the Year, and Officer of the Year are committed to Smyrna Police Department’s Mission:  As guardians of our Town, we will provide exceptional service in partnership with our community.